What is a common consequence of untreated hypertension on the cardiovascular system?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, has significant negative effects on the cardiovascular system. One of the most serious consequences is an increased risk of heart attack. Chronic high blood pressure exerts excessive force on the artery walls, leading to damage and facilitating the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries. This diminishes blood flow and can result in blockages. When coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood are affected, it can ultimately lead to a heart attack due to insufficient blood flow and oxygen delivery to heart muscle tissue.

In contrast, improved circulation, reduced risk of stroke, and a stabilized heart rate are not common outcomes of untreated hypertension. In fact, both improved circulation and a stabilized heart rate would typically be associated with effective management of blood pressure, not with untreated hypertension. Moreover, untreated high blood pressure actually increases the risk of stroke due to damage to blood vessels in the brain, further illustrating the negative impacts of this condition on cardiovascular health.